From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Grittyville, WA

If you had a spot with a slight gradient would you grow the plant upwards or downwards...

3/28/2023 11:40:21 PM

Syracuse, NY

It would always depend for me on the direction of the wind
(from the planting point, the entire plant points and 'blows away from me') but for the question, anything is easier going downhill for anything, so downward. eg

3/29/2023 12:07:41 AM

Elk County, PA

I grow on a slight gradient. Pumpkinpal point on wind is spot on as I live on top of a hill and fight wind every year. Went back to wooden hoops for the weight advantage got setup early this year and that last wind storm sent a 5 x 10 frame flying. Anyways, take wind out of the equation and growing up hill is easier. Down hill the main vine is always in the air. Up hill it just kinda fits against the soil. This year all 3 plants will be facing north so growing against the gradient, see how that goes. No particular reason other than the wife wants to grow one and only way to squeeze in 3.

3/29/2023 7:09:54 AM

Ironton, ohio

Down hill to the north for me. In my head gravity helps get the goods to the pumpkin, but I have no idea what the science says.

3/29/2023 7:29:11 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

There was a guy on here at least 12 years ago who grew on steep hills\bluffs in West Virginia (I think that was the state). My biggest concern would be securing everything in high winds. If you get a breeze more from one direction, I'd have the stem face that way. Also if you are disease prone at the stump, maybe have that upside.

3/29/2023 8:29:45 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

My patch is on a 5-6% grade and it makes no difference at all. I’ve planted uphill, downhill, sideways and on the diagonal…no difference.

This year, below the centre walking boards will be 2 plants. One plant will grow uphill with the first few secondaries as long as they will grow, then traditional Xmas tree pattern, the other will be grown downhill with the same pattern.

3/29/2023 10:27:15 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Sorry, here is the photo, it sort of shows the moderate slope.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=336696

3/29/2023 10:27:58 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Luke, I believe it was Norm (abbynormal) who was the penultimate uphill, downhill, sideways and slope grower. Checkout his dairy,

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=155718

3/29/2023 10:49:58 AM

Kutztown, PA

Little "Grity" Kins,

Regardless of the gradient I would still plant it with the roots facing downward, though it would be easier to water if they were upside down :)

Seriously, I wonder if digging a hole on the up side and one on the downside and testing for water drainage at each location would affect your decision. I would definitely plant were the secondary vines would not be parallel with water runoff.

3/29/2023 11:05:34 AM

Grittyville, WA

Good link North Shore, love the can-do attitude on display in Norms diary!

3/29/2023 2:20:14 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I know Norm (Abbynormal) grows on a hill, but this guy was more of a bluff. I'll see if I can find it, curious how he supported the pumpkin now.

3/29/2023 2:47:02 PM

Roseville CA

They say that growing downhill is better because you need lesser water at your stump, and for old leaves.

4/2/2023 12:18:08 AM

Grittyville, WA

Smart thinking Sankalp.

4/3/2023 7:16:59 AM